The Kansas City Public Library brings the library to you! The Bookmobile ensures services are provided to those who experience difficulty visiting the library’s fixed facilities. Our goal is to connect you with access to the great resources the library has to offer.

Questions about the Bookmobile? Contact us.

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What is the Bookmobile?

The Bookmobile is a FREE service and accessible to all who visit it. It creates a feeling of community wherever it goes. The Bookmobile has a semi-monthly schedule with most of its stops being either on 1^st and 3^rd or 2^nd and 4^th week rotations. Regular stops are on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Fridays feature Fun Fridays where the Bookmobile visits new and interesting places outside of its normally scheduled stops.

Who Is eligible for this service?

To be considered for on-going Bookmobile service:

• Sites must be located within the Kansas City Public Library’s service area and at least one mile away from a library branch.
• Sites must have a sizable population of those who face barriers in accessing Kansas City Public Library’s fixed facilities.
• Sites must provide a sufficient level of safety as to not put staff and resources in jeopardy.
• Sites must be willing to provide the Bookmobile with assistance in communicating with their population.
• Sites must have direct in and out access for the 24 ft. Bookmobile vehicle and have ample room to maneuver and park.
• Sites should provide Bookmobile staff with access to restrooms.
• Sufficient staff and resources must be available to add the stop.
• Stop placement should allow cellular equipment and other electronic equipment to operate consistently.
• New stops will only be added at the beginning of a new scheduling period.
• Stops will be reevaluated every six months.

What services are available during Bookmobile stops?

Patrons who visit the Bookmobile will be able to do the following:

• Library card sign-up
• Check out books and movies for all ages
• Check out Chromebooks and Hotspots
• Programming
• Request and pick up holds
• Return items from any KCPL branch
• Use free Wi-Fi
• Printing available
• Notary Services available by appointment

Cancelations, Inclement Weather, Extenuating Circumstances

In the event of inclement weather, vehicle maintenance, and other unforeseen problems, Bookmobile staff will notify the site of a canceled stop as soon as possible. Cancelations will also be announced on the Library’s social media.

Evaluating Bookmobile Stops

The Bookmobile re-evaluates stops every six months and reserves the right to cancel a stop at any point if it feels the arrangement is not the best use of library resources:

• The stop must provide consistent usage of services and show a good participation level.
• The stop must provide the consistent return of library materials (in good condition).
• The proximity to other stops, library facilities, and deposit collections is considered.
• Criteria is subject to change based on program development and guiding principles.

Special Appearances

The bookmobile may be available for a visit to your organization’s event! It may be available for community events such as parades, health fairs, festivals, etc. depending on staffing availability. However, the Bookmobile is unavailable for special events during regularly scheduled stops.

Special Event Guidelines

• Outreach events are not scheduled if they interfere with regularly scheduled stops.
• The location of the event must be in the Kansas City Public Library service area.
• For special events, the Bookmobile vehicle must have a reserved spot centrally located at the event.

We can offer the following services during special events:

• Library card sign-up
• Free books for all ages
• Internet Access
• Activities for all ages

Request the Bookmobile

Interested in having the bookmobile visit your location? Fill out this request form to tell us about your needs.

Request the Bookmobile Now